What Symptoms Might Indicate That My Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Extracted?

Wisdom teeth are the final molars to erupt, often in your late teens or early twenties. These teeth don’t always cause problems, but when they do, the symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Understanding the signs that your wisdom teeth need to be removed is essential to avoid complications.

Here’s what you should watch for and when it might be time to call the dentist near you for an evaluation.

1. Pain and Discomfort

The most common sign that your wisdom teeth are causing problems is persistent pain. This discomfort may be felt in the area of your mouth behind your wisdom teeth. A dull discomfort that worsens when eating is how the pain is most commonly characterized. However, some people experience sharp, intense pain that feels like it radiates to the ear or jaw.

• Sharp or Dull Pain: Some days, the pain may feel like a mild annoyance, while other times, it might spike without warning.
• Difficulty Chewing: You may also find it difficult to chew on one side of your mouth because of the discomfort.

If this sounds familiar, you should consider getting your wisdom teeth in Central Northwest, Houston, TX, evaluated before the pain worsens.

2. Swelling and Redness

Along with pain, swollen or red gums are a sign that your wisdom teeth might need attention. This happens because the teeth are trying to break through the gums, causing inflammation. You might notice:

• Swollen Gums: The area around the wisdom teeth can appear puffy, particularly after eating or brushing.
• Redness: The gums may look darker than usual, indicating irritation.
• Tenderness: Touching the area could make it feel sore or inflamed.

Swelling can make your whole mouth feel uncomfortable. Redness and irritation don’t just go away on their own. These symptoms should be checked by a Houston dentist to prevent further complications.

3. Jaw Stiffness and Difficulty Opening Your Mouth

Have you ever tried to open your mouth wide, only to find it feels stiff or painful? This is another sign your wisdom teeth could be causing issues. Jaw stiffness happens because the wisdom teeth press against the surrounding bone or nerves.

• Limited Movement: You might notice that it’s harder to open your mouth fully. Eating or even speaking can feel more challenging.
• Lockjaw: In more severe cases, your jaw could feel like it’s locking up temporarily.

Ignoring this symptom can lead to long-term jaw issues. If you’re feeling this type of discomfort, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible.

4. Bad Breath

Do you feel a bad taste in your mouth or unpleasant breath that won’t go away, no matter how much you brush? This can happen because impacted wisdom teeth create pockets where food gets trapped, and bacteria thrive.

• Persistent Bad Breath: Even after proper brushing and flossing, the smell remains.
• Unpleasant Taste: You might also experience a constant bad taste in your mouth that’s difficult to ignore.

Wisdom teeth may serve as a reservoir for dental germs, resulting in persistent halitosis. If this is happening to you, it’s time to consider wisdom tooth removal before the problem worsens.

5. Cysts or Tumors

Though rare, cysts or tumors can form around impacted wisdom teeth. These occur when a sac forms around the wisdom tooth, which can become filled with fluid or grow into something more serious, like a tumor.

• Cyst Formation: If left untreated, cysts can damage the surrounding bone or even your teeth.
• Tumors: In rare cases, tumors may develop, which could require surgical intervention.

This may sound alarming, but catching the issue early can prevent severe complications. A routine dental check-up can help identify cysts early on, ensuring timely treatment.

6. Damage to Adjacent Teeth

When your wisdom teeth come in at an angle or don’t have enough space, they can push against the nearby teeth. This can cause damage to your adjacent molars, leading to:

• Tooth Crowding: As the wisdom teeth push through, they can force your other teeth to shift, leading to misalignment.
• Pressure on Molars: The added pressure on your other teeth can make them more prone to decay or cracks.

If you notice your teeth shifting or feel pressure in your molars, it’s crucial to act quickly. Don’t let your wisdom teeth affect the health of your other teeth.

7. Infection

Due to their position in the posterior of the oral cavity, wisdom teeth are more challenging to maintain in terms of hygiene. This makes them more vulnerable to infections. When bacteria build up in these hard-to-reach areas, infections can develop.

• Fever: If your wisdom teeth are infected, you might experience a fever or feel unwell.
• Swelling and Pus: Infections can lead to swelling, and in some cases, pus might appear near the gums.
• Pain: The pain from an infection can be severe, sometimes even throbbing.

Ignoring an infection can lead to bigger issues, like abscesses or the spread of the infection to other parts of your body. If you experience these symptoms, contact your dentist right away.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth don’t always cause problems, but when they do, the symptoms can be hard to ignore. Persistent pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, bad breath, or more severe issues like cysts are clear indicators that it’s time to take action. Paying attention to these signs early can save you a lot of pain and discomfort down the road. Remember, complications from wisdom teeth can escalate quickly if left untreated.

Is It Time to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Checked?

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait! Call SND Family Dental today and book an appointment for a professional evaluation. It’s important to address these signs early to prevent further issues. Our team is here to help you with all your dental needs, so schedule a visit with us and take the first step toward relief!